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Tributes paid to Norfolk soldier

Tributes have been paid to a Norfolk-based soldier killed in Afghanistan at the weekend.

Sergeant Lee Davidson, 32, a father of two based with the Light Dragoons at Swanton Morley, was described by his Commanding Officer as a superb soldier and wonderful man.

His wife Samantha is expecting their their child child. She said he was a doting father to Jayden and Jamie ...'the best husband and father I could ever have wished for.

You will never be forgotten NEVER. All our love, your Samantha, Jayden, Jamie and your little daughter who's on the way very soon.

– Samantha Davidson

Sgt Davidson lived in Doncaster and joined the Army in 1998. He's the first soldier from the Light Dragoons to have died during their current deployment in Afghanistan.

His troop was mentoring the Afghan Police. He was fatally injured when his vehicle struck an improvised explosive device in the Nahr-e Saraj district of Helmand province on Sunday,.

Lieutentant Colonel Sam Plant, Commanding Officer of the Light Dragoons, said: "He was the most natural leader of men and soldiers flourished under his command.....Utterly loyal and ferociously hard-working, he was, and always will be, an inspiration to so many."

He was enormously popular with fellow soldiers. Warrant Officer Class 1 David Rae, Regimental Sgt Major, the Light Dragoons, paid this tribute.

"As a man, Davo was liked by everyone, peers, superiors and subordinates; he was easy to be around; you enjoyed spending time with him. There was no agenda, only a down to earth, level headed, happy, fun, chatty, articulate and intelligent Yorkshireman; and he cared about all the right things."

A memorial service for Sgt Davidson is being held at the Light Dragoons barracks at Swanton Morley tomorrow.